Citation

West GH, Dawson J, Teitelbaum C, Novello R, Hunting K, Welch LS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2016; 59(3): 186-195.

Affiliation

George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington DC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.22545

PMID

26792244

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Causes of permanent work disability in the sheet metal industry are not well characterized.

METHODS: Pension records were used to compare causes of disability among sheet metal workers and the U.S. working population. Subgroup analysis examined the major causes of sheet metal worker disability.

RESULTS: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), circulatory disease, and injuries were leading causes of sheet metal worker disability (47.2%, 13.7%, 10.9% of awards, respectively). Award distribution differed from the U.S. working population (P < 0.0001); MSDs and injuries accounted for higher proportions of sheet metal worker awards, particularly at spine, shoulder, and knee.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher proportions of awards caused by MSD or injury among sheet metal workers may reflect higher rates of work-related injuries and MSDs, a high likelihood of disability with construction work given the same impairment, or higher prevalence of other conditions in the general population. Prevention requires task-specific ergonomic innovations and proven participatory interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en